Veterans turn out to mark Battle of Britain’s 70th anniversary

RAF veterans gathered to commemorate the Battle of Britain on Wednesday.

Representatives of the Royal British Legion and the Southport veterans fund were present at the ceremony, to mark the 70th anniversary of the famous World War II victory.

The celebration, held in the Memorial Gardens in Lord Street by the RAF Aircrew Association, followed on from last Sunday’s service at Lord Street West United Church on Duke Street.

But many of those attending were disappointed that a parade organised by the veterans fund had been cancelled due to a clash with another event.

The parade was due to start at Chapel Street and carry on down to the Cenotaph on September 12.

Steve Hawkshaw, chairman of the fund, said: “It was a shame as we had people coming over from Manchester and North Wales for the parade.

But we are grateful to the Aircrew Association for putting on this ceremony – it was important to mark the anniversary of such an important battle.”

A Lancaster bomber had been scheduled to fly over the cenotaph after the ceremony, but was cancelled due to the wind.

Air Commodore Jack Broughton, who chaired the event, read out a moving tribute to the ‘courage and determination’ of all those who took part in Britain’s ‘finest hour’.

Afterwards he told the Visiter: “In view of the parade’s cancellation

we felt we ought to do something special, and we are delighted with the turnout today.”

One of those attending was George Wilson, 86, who was 16 when he joined up.

He said: “It was a really good turnout, It is important to attend these events and remember those who gave their lives.”

Meanwhile association president Brian Marshall, of Park Avenue, paid tribute to Wing Commander John Freeborn, the heroic Battle of Britain pilot who was to rest at Southport crematorium on September 7.

The 86-year-old said: “We buried our final survivor from the battle last week, people like John are what these ceremonies are really about.”